Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

• 

  First Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Gary - December 13 - 12:06 pm

  So far so good. This rig is fun to drive. It handles great in monsoon type conditions. I am overall quite happy with this 8 passenger people mover. The real test will come when we finally get some snow.

• 

  Great Commuting and Family Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By morg4163 - December 12 - 11:17 am

  I commute 180 miles a day round trip, since 10/05 this car has been reliable and not let me down at all. For the cost of the car, it is a great buy. Following Hondas maintenance guide, 3000 mile oil changes are NOT necessary, the book shows 9000 miles for normal use, 6000 miles for extreme conditions. This is the first foreign car Ive owned for quite some time, with my daily drive, it wont be my last. This car performs well on the highway and in the city.

• 

  Disappointed CRV owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By diappsointed crv own - December 11 - 7:14 am

  Disappointed with the mileage of my CRV. Sticker say 22-26. For the past 3.5 years I avg around 22-23 for all driving. A couple of times near 20. Highest has been 24.5 for a highway trip.

• 

  2005EX AWD CRV 300 miles - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bargainbabe - December 11 - 4:40 am

  This car is very roomy inside, and feels like it has a lot more room in the interior than it looks like it would have on the outside. The headlights are fantastic! There is a blind spot on the left side near the back tire that is very annoying, especially when trying to back out of a parking space. Wish the doors would automatically lock when you turn the ignition on like my old car. Gas mileage is horrible, but the car is still breaking in. On my old car, if the emergency break is on, it would not budge! This one, I actually drove 1/2 a block before realizing I left it on. I dont think I should be able to do that!

• 

  Good car. - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Car Lover - December 10 - 12:22 pm

  This car is proclaimed as the best, however, I bought it used with 110,000 miles in July 2006. I expected it to be excellent and it is. The only problem is that everybody has it. It may look good, but I think that with few modifications such as the wheels off of the V6, and a spoiler, then this car will be great.

• 

  Honda knew this car needed more torque! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By wprince - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this this car since new for 70000 miles. Overall a good reliable car and fun to drive on flatter roads and curves. Engive loves to rev, but low RPM torque is *very* weak. Its difficult to start from a dead stop up hills with steeper grades (especially when youre with passengers) - the engine just doesnt generate enough power unless you really rev it and burn the clutch! MPG in my opinion is average - 25.5 over life of the car with "normal" mixed city/hwy driving - and requires premium fuel. The original front brake pads lasted over 60000 miles for me.

• 

  Air Compression - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By M.Chu - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Im a first time Suv owner and I love it. The only problem I have with my Pilot is that when you open the rear windows and close the front windows the outside air is compressed in the vehicle causing a sharp pain to your ears. Its worse than the popping feeling of an airplane. I wonder if other Pilot owners have experienced this. I have also expierenced that when you go over a bump you feel it. Its not a smooth ride when it comes to bumps in the city (NYC).

• 

  Love my van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ChristyC - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Its been almost a year now since I purchased my Honda Odyssey. I really have enjoyed this vehicle. Its great being a single mom. I have the room to haul around things for my daughter. Take her friends to the mall, etc. Its a very comfortable ride!

• 

  my 1st car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By baby steph - December 8 - 10:00 am

  this car is an efficient and affordable car for 1st time buyers.

• 

  amazing fuel economy - 2002 Honda Civic
  By bisiu - December 7 - 1:26 pm

  i have the 5 spd...this car has been great... it has 55,000 miles on it... and i have not touched it except for oil changes. i would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a car that is good on fuel, $30 Canadian = 650 kms the gears are too long ... i can hit 65 mph in second gear at redline